Pope Leo’s message and prayer for Philippines amid Typhoon Uwan go viral

• Pope Leo XIV expressed his sympathy and prayers for the people of the Philippines who were affected by recent typhoons, offering comfort to the families of the deceased, the injured, and the displaced
• The country is currently suffering from the effects of Typhoon Uwan battering Luzon, following the devastation of Typhoon Tino that struck the Visayas just a week earlier
• The Pope’s message comes with special meaning as he had visited Cebu several times before becoming the pontiff, forming close ties with Filipino clergy and communities
• Through his words, Pope Leo XIV reminded the faithful of the Church’s mission to show compassion and solidarity with those who are suffering

Pope Leo XIV took to social media to express his heartfelt solidarity with the Philippines following the devastating impact of recent typhoons. “I express my closeness to the people of the Philippines who have been hit by a violent typhoon: I pray for the deceased and their families, as well as for the injured and displaced,” he said, offering prayers for lives lost and lives disrupted.

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The Philippines is enduring fallen debris and flooding caused by back-to-back storms, beginning with Typhoon Tino which ravaged Visayas last week, and now Typhoon Uwan battering Luzon with heavy rains and strong winds. After Tino left wide-spread damage and triggered emergency aid appeals, Uwan’s impact in the north is raising new concerns about disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience.

Pope Leo’s connection to the Philippines runs deep: before his election in May 2025 as the first American-born pontiff, he visited Cebu in 2004, 2008 and 2012 as Prior General of the Augustinian Order, forging strong ties with Filipino clergy and laity. His previous engagements on the islands have made his outreach now especially meaningful for Filipino Catholics.

With his message of prayer and presence Pope Leo XIV reminds the faithful of the Church’s commitment to suffering communities and the enduring call to compassion.

Pope Leo XIV is the first American to ascend to the papacy, marking a significant milestone in the Church’s 2,000-year history. Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, he is also the first member of the Augustinian order to become pope. Prior to his election, he served as the head of the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops, a role he was appointed to in 2023 by Pope Francis.

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The election of Pope Leo XIV comes after the conclave of 133 cardinals, who convened following the death of Pope Francis. The decision was signaled by white smoke emerging from the Sistine Chapel chimney, prompting cheers from the gathered crowd in St. Peter’s Square.

Cheryl Cosim met and touched Pope Leo XIV during a special gathering with journalists at the Vatican. She described the experience as a moment of grace that she could not fully express in words. Pope Leo XIV addressed the media at Paul VI Hall, urging them to use their words for hope, healing, and unity. Cosim expressed deep gratitude for witnessing the historic occasion and sharing in the Pope’s message of truth and compassion.

Meanwhile, Senate President Chiz Escudero expressed his support and prayers for Pope Leo XIV following his election as the 267th pope. He described the new pope as a beacon of hope and a moral compass in a world facing conflict and uncertainty. Escudero emphasized the pope’s role in promoting peace, justice, inclusivity, and compassion for the poor and marginalized. The politician ended his message by praying for Pope Leo XIV’s success as both spiritual leader and global statesman.

Source: KAMI.com.gh